Can opener



Patented l't'iar. 31, 1925.

UNITED STATES LAWRENCE H. JEBDEE, OF SPOKANE, WASHINGTON.

CAN OPENER.

Application filed. April 7, 1923. Serial No. 630,520.

To all whom it may concern:

Be'it known that I, LAwnnNoE H. Jeanna, a citizen of the United States, residing at Spokane, in Spokane County, and State of Washington, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Can Openers, of which the following is a specification.

My present invention relates to improvements in can openers of the type wherein the can is rotated, and the top of the can cut out by a rotary cutter.

The primary object of the invention is the provlslon of a device of this character which is comparatively inexpensive in cost of production, which may be conveniently attached to a table or other support for use, and which may be operated with facility in the performance of its required functions.

The invention consists in certain novel combinations and arrangements of parts whereby the cans of various sizes may be supported, singly, in the device and the usual disk cut from the can top, and in certain features operated in conjunction with the supported can, as will be hereinafter more fully pointed out and claimed.

In the accompanying drawings I have illustrated one complete example of the physical embodiment of my invention wherein the parts are combined and arranged according to the best mode I have thus far devised for the practical application of the principles of my invention.

Figure 1 is a View in side elevation of the device attached to a table showing a can supported in position, and the device ready for operation.

Figure 2 is a view of reduced size, as seen in elevation from the left in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a face vlew of the rotary cut- 7 ter.

Figure 4 is a face view of the can-rotating wheel.

In Figure 1 of the drawing a table or other support is indicated at 1, and the device is provided with an angular bracket 2 which is clamped to the table as by means of the clamp screw 3.

At the upper end of the bracket a horizontally disposed comparatively long bearing sleeve t is fashioned, integral with the bracket, and adapted to support the operating shaft 5 which is journaled therein with a long bearing to insure stability.

The shaft is operated by means of the crank handle 6 which is secured to the shaft in suitable manner, and at the outer end of the shaft the cutter 7, which is provided with a'squared hole 7, is secured by the nut 8. The rotary cutter is in the form of a round disk with a serrated cutting edge or teeth 9, and as it is fixed on the shaft,re-

volves with the shaft when the latter is revolved. v

A guide wheel 10 having a squared opening 10 is also fixed on the shaft, between the rotary cutter and the bearing sleeve, and this guide wheel is fashioned with means, as radiating teeth 11 on one face, for engagement with the can C.

It will be apparent that as the can is revolved through frictional contact therewith of the guide wheel, the rotary cutter will penetrate through the top of the can and cut a round disk therefrom to form an opening in the top of the can.

The can is supported to be revolved on its vertical axis through the instrumentality of a vertical post 12, integral with the bearing sleeve and depending therefrom, approximately parallel with the bracket 2.

At its inner edge this vertical post is fashioned with a series of rack teeth 13 that are adapted for co-action with an adjustable, bifurcated or slotted bracket 14, which is slidable vertically of the post and is guided thereon by its slotted connection.

The adjustable bracket is fashioned with a handle 15 which may be grasped by the left hand while the handle 6 is grasped and turned by the right hand of the operator.

Within the slotted bracket a single bearing tooth 16 is provided which is designed to fit in between adjoining teeth on the vertical post and be used as a fulcrum or pivot point between these teeth. The slotted bracket is of sufficient length to permit it being pulled to the right in Figure 1 in order that the bracket may be vertically adjusted, and the collar 17 is fixed at the bottom or lower end of the post to prevent displacement of the adjustable bracket.

A horizontally disposed shaft 18 is formed as an integral extension of the adjustable bracket and on this shaft a roller 19 is journaled, a retaining nut 20 being threaded on the reduced threaded end of the shaft to hold the roller in operative position.

The roller 19 is preferably elliptical in form and is positioned to support the can G at its vertical axis. A larger can may be accommodated and supported by first dropping the adjustable bracket or support to the required depth, or a shorter can may be supported by elevating the adjustable bracket support, as will be understood.

In the position of parts in Figure 1 the handle 15 is grasped by the hand and pressed downwardly in order that the roller may be elevated, these movements being around the single tooth as a fulcrum or pivot. The upward pressure exerted through the roller on the can holds the latter in position for engagement of the rotary cutter with the can top, and the guide wheel 10, as it is revolved turns the can on its vertical axis. The can is thus held with facility in position for cutting out its top and both hands of the operator are. employed whereby the operation of opening the can may be quickly accomplished.

I From the above description taken in connection with my drawings it will be apparent that I have provided a device of this character which fulfills the objects of the invention and provides a means simple in construction anu operation for performing the required functions.

Having thus fully described my invention,

what I claim as new and Letters Patent is v The combination in a can opener, with a vertical toothed post, of an adjustable slidable ,slotted bracket having a single bearing tooth for selective co-action with the toothed post, a roller journaled on the adjustable bracket for supporting a rotating can, and a handle at the opposite end of said bracket.

In testimony whereof I afiix my signature.

LAWRENCE H. JERDEE.

desire to secure by 

